Blue Eagles Dominate Airborne Rangers At Champions Stadium

On 17 January 2026, Blue Eagles Football Club travelled to Champions Stadium to face Airborne Rangers in a crucial cup away tie, kicking off at 2:30pm. The match concluded emphatically with Blue Eagles securing a commanding 5-1 victory after 95 minutes of pulsating football.

Blue Eagles lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Precious Masamba guarded the goal, supported by a back four comprising Davie Malenguka at right back, Bennet Konyo and Ganizani James as central defenders, and Maxwell Gustavo on the left. Gilbert Chirwa operated as the lone holding midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and recycling possession. Ahead of him, John Banda took up the right attacking midfield role, while Webster Nzunda occupied the left attacking midfield position, both expected to supply the front three. The forward line featured Pius Saka on the right wing, Tonic Viyuyi as the central striker, and Micium Mhone on the left, all charged with stretching the opposition and converting chances. On the bench were Lanken Mwale, Chikondi Mvula, Chikumbutso Bello, and Yankho Kambalu.

The game burst into life early on as Blue Eagles asserted their attacking intent. In the 6th minute, a slick short pass from Webster Nzunda found Tonic Viyuyi inside the box, who expertly finished with his left foot to open the scoring. This early goal set the tone for the visitors, who continued to press high and create opportunities.

At the quarter-hour mark, Blue Eagles doubled their advantage. Micium Mhone delivered a precise cross from the left flank, which Pius Saka met with a diving header from close range, nodding the ball past the Airborne Rangers goalkeeper. This goal highlighted the effective interplay between the forwards and the attacking midfielders, with Saka’s aerial prowess proving decisive.

The first half maintained a steady rhythm, with Blue Eagles controlling possession and restricting Airborne Rangers to few clear chances. The defensive unit, marshalled by Konyo and James, remained resolute, while Masamba was rarely troubled. Just before the interval, the visitors extended their lead further. In the 47th minute, immediately after the restart, Pius Saka launched a long pass to Micium Mhone, who calmly tapped in from close range with his left foot, making it 3-0.

Shortly after this goal, the half-time whistle blew, confirming Blue Eagles’ dominance in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half saw tactical adjustments from Blue Eagles, with Lanken Mwale replacing Webster Nzunda in the 62nd minute to inject fresh energy on the left side. The visitors maintained their attacking momentum, though Airborne Rangers began to show signs of resistance.

However, Blue Eagles were forced into an injury substitution in the 78th minute when Micium Mhone was replaced by Chikondi Mvula. Despite this setback, the team’s attacking threat remained potent.

Further changes came late on as Chikumbutso Bello came on for John Banda in the 87th minute for tactical reasons, while Yankho Kambalu replaced the injured Davie Malenguka at right back. These substitutions ensured the team’s shape and intensity were preserved as the match entered its final stages.

In the 90th minute, Chikondi Mvula capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, finishing with his right foot from a cross delivered by Pius Saka, who continued to influence the game decisively. This goal effectively sealed the contest, putting Blue Eagles four goals clear.

The emphatic victory was capped in stoppage time at the 95th minute when Tonic Viyuyi scored his second of the day. Receiving a short pass from Pius Saka outside the box, Viyuyi unleashed a precise right-footed strike, rounding off a well-worked team move and cementing the 5-1 scoreline.

Pius Saka’s outstanding performance, contributing with multiple assists and a goal, earned him the player of the match accolade. His creativity and vision were instrumental in Blue Eagles’ attacking success.

Overall, Blue Eagles delivered a commanding display of tactical discipline, attacking verve, and clinical finishing to dismantle Airborne Rangers on their own turf and progress comfortably in the cup competition.